'Castles And Conquests' Tourism Plan Announced For Ireland's Ancient East

The Norman story in New Ross and the Hook Peninsula is set to be brought to life through Fáilte Ireland’s long-term "Castles and Conquests" tourism plan for Ireland’s Ancient East.

With a rich Norman heritage, the New Ross and Hook Peninsula area is identified to have the potential to evolve as a strong cluster of attractions that can draw international visitors.

Local tourism businesses from New Ross and the Hook Peninsula attended a workshop at The Brandon House Hotel in New Ross on Thursday October 11 to consult on developing the Norman story in the area to connect experiences which will drive increased visitors to this part of Ireland’s Ancient East.

This work will feed into the "Castles and Conquests" tourism plan, which local tourism businesses and stakeholders are working closely on, and will play a key role in extending the season and increasing dwell time in the area.

"Castles and Conquests" is one of the key Ireland’s Ancient East visitor experience development plans currently underway and has been created to develop brilliant visitor experiences in the region so they are motivating and appealing to international markets.

"A True Gem"

Speaking about the workshop, head of Ireland’s Ancient East at Fáilte Ireland Jenny De Saulles said, "The Norman heritage in Wexford is a true gem in the Ireland’s Ancient East offering. It is hugely appealing to our core international markets and, in order to encourage them to visit this part of Wexford and stay in the area for longer, we need to ensure that we can offer a really compelling visitor experience in terms of storytelling and bringing the area’s rich history to life – key elements of the Ireland’s Ancient East brand.

“Visitor numbers to Wexford are already on a strong footing through the brand, and the long-term 'Castles and Conquests' plan will help to bring even more visitors here. Thanks to all the local businesses who contributed to the plan - we will continue to work alongside the industry to improve visitor experiences across the region.”

October 11's workshop was the first in a series of sessions taking place across the Ireland’s Ancient East region as part of the "Castles and Conquests" visitor experience development plan over the coming months.